Full download is available in AZW format.Number of pages included in download: All Pages Included

Short about the book:
Simple Rules is a new kind of builder handbook / design guide.

Inspired by long forgotten sources, the design content includedhere–timeless composition principles, elegant proportional systems,building techniques and formulas for making buildings more beautiful–is intended as a guide for the modern builder who cares about aestheticsand meaning as much or more than the bottom line.

In this small guide a few select concepts and techniques,salvaged mostly from 18th, 19th and early 20th century builder pocketreferences and architectural guides, have been resurrected andabridged–or interpreted where possible–for practical use by the 21stcentury architect and homebuilder.Simple building principles and conventions included here were used inthe past to make places that were at once familiar and meaningful,sensible and beautiful.

The design concepts are equallyapplicable to modern design. In fact, they are intended to serve asarchetypes for a new modern architecture, to free builders from the need to simply replicate old styles.

Sample Rules:

simple RULE 1STRENGTH, UTILITY, AND BEAUTY

"All architecture should possess strength, utility, and beauty."~Marcus Vitruvius PollioStrength arises fromcarrying down the foundations to a good solid bottom, andfrom making a proper choice of materials without parsimony. †Utility arises from ajudicious distribution of the parts, so that their purposes be dulyanswered, and that each have its proper situation.Beauty is produced bythe pleasing appearance and good taste of the whole, and by thedimensions of all the parts being duly proportioned to each other.

†parsimony: economy of means, cost-cutting

~Marcus Vitruvius PollioDe Architectura, Book

STRENGTH, UTILITY, AND BEAUTY"As one principal figure should always stand out as the foremost, …towhich all subordinate purposes should contribute and lend their aid. "

simple RULE 5THREE DIMENSIONALITY

"Always keep in mind the perspective appearance when designing theexterior of a detached building, and not merely the front elevation."~ Richard Brown, Architect

THREE DIMENSIONALITY"From every possible view a really good building must have balance…"~ Talbot Hamlin(image)equal distribution of detail and composition front and side, same roof form repeated, smaller side porch compliments front porch

THREE DIMENSIONALITY "…imagine the building as it appears to a person walking all aroundit… From every possible view a really good building must have balance, and this accounts for the comparative failure of some of our informalAmerican country houses.They seem manifestly to be designed with one view point, or two, inmind; from these points they are good, perfect in balance andcomposition, but from other points the same buildings are a merehodge-podge, and they lack that little accent on the centre of balancegiven by a chimney or flower box, or some little point of interest, that would have made the whole seem balanced and in repose."

~ Talbot HamlinThe Enjoyment of Architecture

simple RULE 10LAW OF LEVERAGE

"Masses on one side of an interesting pivotal feature must havecounterbalancing masses on the other side; shapes and positions of themasses themselves affect the balance."~ Talbot Hamlin

LAW OF LEVERAGE"First, a heavy member close to that interesting feature which expresses the centre of balance–the pivot, as it were–will counterbalance andbe balanced by a long, low, lighter member further from that point.

Secondly, the shapes and positions of the masses themselves affectthe balance. A member that projects forward always seems heavier than areceding member.(image)

The best place on an "L" type building for the centre of interest is on the long side, near the angle, (the projecting wing, nearer the eye, seems heavier than the rest, requires a longer portion to balance it.)"

Short about the author:
Shannon Scarlett, a registered architect, works in the Boston area,
focusing primarily on residential projects.
The firm Shannon Taylor Scarlett, Architects,
was established in 1990, and continues to build a reputation for design
excellence, while also working within site and economic constraints,
and promoting sustainability on every project.
Ms. Scarlett believes that helping educate those interested in good
design, but having no idea where to begin-be it homeowners, builders, or
architecture students-is the first step in improving the aesthetics,
meaning and overall feel of our currently uninspired living
environments.

From readers voices:
I must say that I am very impressed by the content in this book; honestly, I wasn’t expecting too much when I first got it – but the material went way above and beyond my initial expectations and I found it incredibly helpful and informative. What I admire the most about this book is how concise and clear the author expresses even the most complex systems and formulas into a way that is easy to understand and learn from. The book is very detailed and sophisticated but this writing style of the author compliments the content really well due to the practicality and understandability that it’s written in. This book is perfect for any kind of architect, whether the reader is a beginner or an expert – they will definitely be able to learn a lot

From readers voices:
Architect Shannon Taylor Scarlett shares concepts and techniques from 18th, 19th, and early 20th century references and guides, exploring the reasons behind what makes some structures beautiful, and others not so much.

In this beautifully simplistic and brief read (111p), the author has created a sort of builder handbook / designs guide which focuses on 25 simple rules for designing beautiful architecture- with the aim to help regain forgotten and abandoned techniques for achieving balance and meaning in architecture, making it aesthetically beautiful.

As a sometimes-home renovator/flipper myself, I have always been drawn to older houses because of their character and charm. What I have always loved is the attention to detail, balance, and craftsmanship, which seem almost entirely lacking in more modern homes. In the book, Shannon Taylor Scarlett presents an almost poetic take on what makes great architecture so great, and so beautiful.

I would suggest that this book is not just for designers and builders, but also artists, anyone interested in architecture, and those who enjoy the charm and character of older homes and structures. A very interesting little book with much to offer.

I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review.

From readers voices:
I found the tips and guides in the book to be practical and accurate. It is a must have for all homeowners. The only drawback is the lack of clarity of the illustrations on Kindle.I will endeavour to get a hardcopy.